John Lee Vass, 76, of Burlington, died Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.
Born Aug. 6, 1947, in Keokuk, he was the son of Ralph and Helen Logan Vass. John graduated from Nauvoo-Colusa High School in 1965. He graduated from trade school in Rock Island, Ill. He married Jean Petersen on Oct. 26, 1968, in Davenport.
John was a heavy construction equipment designer for J.I. Case and Cedarapids-Terex. He loved photography and could often be found at the local race tracks taking photos. He had many photos published in race magazines and papers over the years, including some cover shots. He was an announcer for Burlington softball games for several years and enjoyed watching his daughter play. He spent his free time reading, gardening, putting together model cars, and watching the Hawkeyes and any type of racing on TV. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.
John will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jean of Burlington; two children, Jennifer (Rick) Vass-Kerns of Omaha, Neb.; Jeffrey Vass of Burlington; two grandchildren, Carter and Austin Kerns; and sister Marilyn (Robert) Mocella of Thorton, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of John's life will be held on Dec. 2, 2023, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Burlington from 1 to 3 p.m.
A memorial had been established in honor of John, with the Special Needs Foundation of Des Moines County